simplicity
Americannoun
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the state, quality, or an instance of being simple.
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freedom from complexity, intricacy, or division into parts.
an organism of great simplicity.
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absence of luxury, pretentiousness, ornament, etc.; plainness.
a life of simplicity.
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freedom from deceit or guile; sincerity; artlessness; naturalness.
a simplicity of manner.
- Synonyms:
- honesty, directness, candor
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lack of mental acuteness or shrewdness.
Politics is not a field for simplicity about human nature.
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of simplicity
1325–75; Middle English simplicite (< Old French simplicité ) < Latin simplicitās simpleness, equivalent to simplici- (stem of simplex ) simplex + -tās -ty 2
Explanation
Simplicity is a noun that means "the quality of being plain." The simplicity of your prom dress made you stand out in the sea of ruffles and sequins. Simplicity describes a lack of ornamentation, like a Christmas tree that is only decorated with white lights instead of being fancied up with lots of ornaments, tinsel and multi-colored bulbs. The noun simplicity also means "freedom from hardship or effort" like the simplicity of hanging out on your porch. Simplicity also describes something easy to accomplish or understand.
Vocabulary lists containing simplicity
'Tis A Gift To Be Simple: Words For National Simplicity Day
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"On Turning Ten" by Billy Collins
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poems about transcendental thinking
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For Nieves, the secret in gaining new dads and retaining others is simplicity.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2026
It’s a message crafted with such disarming simplicity that, at first, it reads as obvious, even hackneyed.
From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026
Matt said the simplicity of writing had been "liberating", allowing him to capture ideas anywhere - whether on his phone, on paper or whatever is at hand.
From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026
Nearby, a set of four white bowls stands out for its contrasting simplicity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026
Her answer came with direct simplicity, as though she were simply stating a fact:—
From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
